10 Inspiring Mental Health Awareness Charity Runs or Walks

Support Mental Health and Physical Activity Simultaneously

1. Mental Health Advocacy Capital Walk, Washington, D.C.

• Place: Washington, D.C.
• Aim: Raise awareness about mental health with a particular focus on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Features: Walk the picturesque loop, meet with mental health leaders, attain insight into available resources

2. Foundation for Hope's "Small Steps. Huge Strides." Run/Walk, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

• Place: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Aim: Fund research for understanding and preventing mental illnesses
• Features: Engage in a 5K or 1-mile family run. Enjoy a lively festival offering music, food, games, and contribute to research at the University of North Carolina.

3. John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation's Annual Race, Timonium, Maryland

• Place: Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland
• Aim: Promote holistic approaches encompassing exercise and nutrition for mental well-being
• Features: Partake in the 5K run or walk. Receive souvenirs, visit the kids' zone, and celebrate achievements with awards.

4. Mind Over Matter (MOM) 5K, Royal Oak, Michigan

• Place: Royal Oak, Michigan
• Aim: Raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health
• Features: Run or walk the flat course. Participate in raffles, delight in live music, and attend a post-race party. Proceeds benefit brain research and crisis intervention programs.

5. Walk for Mental Health Awareness, Houston, Texas

• Place: Houston, Texas
• Aim: Benefitting various mental health organizations in the Houston area
• Features: Participate in the 5K walk/run, pass through the triumphant "Arch of Breakthrough" at the finish line. Visit the Children's Corner for information on youth mental illnesses. Leashed dogs are also welcome.

6. Five Fifty Fifty 5K Series, Nationwide (All 50 States)

• Place: All 50 states across 50 days
• Aim: Amplify awareness, foster conversations, and propel action toward mental health, especially for marginalized groups
• Features: Participate in the 5K series in your state. Contribute to research and affordable mental healthcare, aiming to reduce stigma. Join the virtual 5K on World Mental Health Day in October.

7. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Walks, Nationwide

• Place: All 50 states
• Aim: Fund research, provide support to survivors, promote education, and advocate for policy changes related to suicide prevention
• Features: Walk in a group or solo, meet fellow participants at designated spaces, contribute directly to suicide prevention efforts. The average walk distance is three miles.

8. NAMIWalks, Nationwide (100+ Cities)

• Place: More than 100 cities across the United States
• Aim: Raise awareness and fund mental illness treatments
• Features: Register online, participate individually or with a team. Walk the course with your leashed dog and actively engage in fundraising initiatives.

9. Local or Virtual Race

• Place: Your local area or online
• Aim: Support local or global mental health awareness and organizations
• Features: Explore local 5K or walk events dedicated to mental health. Participate in virtual races that allow you to run or walk from your preferred location.

10. Still I Run Fundraiser

• Place: Worldwide (Virtual)
• Aim: Combat stereotypes, build community, and empower individuals with mental health conditions through physical activity
• Features: Register for a race, raise funds for Still I Run, contribute to their outreach program, and join group fun runs held in various cities.

Your participation in these events not only promotes mental health awareness but also contributes to vital efforts such as research, support services, and policy changes aimed at improving mental well-being.